MOSCOW, Idaho — On a frigid night in Moscow, Idaho, students gathered by the hundreds on the campus’ main lawn to mark one year since the murder of four of their classmates.
“I think it affected the entire community, not just the students. So it’s important that we all heal and get through this together not just as a university because we’re all impacted by it,” said University of Idaho senior Haily Oldhman.
“Evil becomes much more real when it happens so close to home,” said Zanna Miller from the podium. "This date marks the day that Moscow, Idaho changed forever and the people along with it.”
It was a killing so brutal, so unusual for the small town that the student body and those four victims were thrust into the spotlight. But on the anniversary of their death, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were honored for the way they lived – not the way they died.
“I loved being in her presence and it is one that I will miss for the rest of my life,” said Madison Whitney, a student and friend of Kaylee Goncalves.
All four were found stabbed to death inside an off-campus home near the University of Idaho’s campus.
One year later and it’s fenced off, boarded up and under watch of security. Outside flowers line the curb.
The campus, emptied in the wake of the killings, is back open.
“To know Ethan Xana Madison and Kaylee was to love Ethan Xana Madison and Kaylee,” said student Darius Myers from the podium.
“I read somewhere that when you lose someone you love you gain an angel, well we have four amazing angels watching over us every day,” Meyers continued.
Brian Kohberger, the man charged with their killings, remains in the Latah County Jail. He faces the death penalty if found guilty. He’s waived his right to a speedy trial and for now, there is no court date on the books.